Friday, May 28th 2010

Wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending the AAFA 32nd Annual American Image Awards at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in NYC, where Shopbop was recognized as E-tailer of the Year. I sat at a table with a key representation of the Shopbop crew, including our NY-based buying team, Shopbop General Manager Jeff Yurcisin, Amazon VP of Apparel Cathy Beaudoin, Shopbop Head of Marketing Chris Ryskiewicz, and Haute Hippie Designer/Founder Trish Wescoat Pound.

The night was special for so many reasons, and aside from the opportunity to get dressed up and go to a black-tie event on a Wednesday night, what really struck a chord was how far Shopbop has come in ten years. To be among powerhouse honorees like Gap and Steve Madden was undeniably flattering.

Jeff accepted our award, telling the story of Shopbop founders Bob Lamey, Ray Zemon, and Martha Michelson, and their vision to provide the coolest fashion to women around the world 24 hours a day. A very special thanks to Trish for presenting us with this honor—your words were so thoughtful and genuine—and to all our amazing vendors who showed their support.

The night was a charitable one as well, benefitting Autism Speaks. I wish you all could have heard Tom Brokaw’s heartfelt speech highlighting Suzanne and Bob Wright’s commitment and passion to raising awareness and research funding for autism, a disorder that affects an estimated one in a hundred children.

Thursday, May 27th 2010

Hot weather is upon us, and though I plan on living in a tank, denim shorts, and Havaianas for a good chunk of the next three months, that doesn’t mean I have to completely sacrifice my personal style. Summer accessories–totes, sunhats, and lightweight scarves–work wonders in elevating the simplest summer ensemble, and are practical to boot.

TotesIn a season of beach days and spontaneous weekend getaways, a roomy tote is a necessity. Downtown girls can carry a studded tote by Twelfth Street when it’s too hot for their signature black, and classic girls can show their polish with a straw tote or a classic Tory Burch tote. If your looks is less Hamptons, more hippie, sling a bag by ZUBA Africa over your shoulder, if you can manage to decide on your favorite print.

SunhatsWith a knack for both looking chic and providing sun protection, sunhats are at the top of beach vacation packing lists. Pair your bikini and cover-up with a floppy version, then swap it out for a straw fedora once you’re back in the city.

Lightweight ScarvesIf you get stuck in a jersey dress rut, a leopard-print DVF scarf or a tie-dye Tilo scarf will change up your look for the office and provide a little warmth on a chilly summer evenings. Best of all, you’ll still be wearing it come fall.

Thursday, May 27th 2010

Stylist to stars such as Rachel Bilson, Scarlett Johansson, Katherine Heigl, and Kristen Bell, Nicole Chavez started her career as an intern on movie sets, landing her big break (and biggest client) on the pilot episode of The O.C. Known for fresh, uncontrived looks that highlight her clients’ individuality, her looks come off as effortless—never over-styled.

SMYTHE Black BlazerA tailored blazer is classic, feminine, and looks great on all body types. Pair it with anything: jeans, little dresses, trousers, skirts. Make sure to find one that fits you well and accentuates your waist.

Eugenia Kim Straw FedoraI’m always on the go, so it’s my fashion solution to a bad hair day. It makes any outfit complete and more relaxed. Great for lazy weekends and vacations.

Wednesday, May 26th 2010

Name: Meredith Position at Shopbop: Customer Service Manager Your Style Profile:Classic and casual chic. I’ve learned to embrace the fact I’m drawn to simple and timeless clothing. While fabrication changes from season to season, I perpetually migrate toward the classic white button-down. I like clean lines and classic silhouettes but don’t shy away from pops of color in my shoes, bags, and jewelry. Though based on my picks below, I’m apparently thinking neutrals this season.

(1) Dresses. One-stop summer shopping for an easy, pulled-together look. I love that this classic Calvin Klein Collection dress is pre-wrinkled and long enough to wear to the office. It also holds its shape, which means when I’m done with work, it doesn’t look like I’ve been at the office all day. Calvin Klein Collection - Nigel Tank Dress

(3) I am ignoring the mom voice in my head saying “you need to wear more color” and instead focusing on the airy softness of this gauzy Tilo scarf. I love that I don’t have to wait for cooler weather to drape cashmere around my neck. Tilo - Cashmere Gauze Knit Scarf

Tuesday, May 25th 2010

A couple weeks ago, I was in San Francisco for a little vacation. Being my first time in the city of sourdough, cable cars, and Rice-A-Roni, I quickly realized I did a horrible job packing—shoes-wise, anyway. On my first walk up a monster of a hill on Powell Street, my flat, leather-soled Boutique 9 shoes proved to be less than adequate (every other step resulted in a not-so-graceful slip). They went back in the suitcase. I pulled out a pair of anti-chic Merrell trail shoes, and wore them for the rest of the week, only swapping them out twice for some Frye driving mocs. Those adorable Loeffler Randall heels I’d packed? They never left my suitcase.

After that first day, I kept an eye to the pavement to see what the ladies of San Francisco wear to navigate its hilly streets. Gals on their way to work in the morning (when my friend and I were on our way to Ghirardelli Square for yet another free sample) wore flats, naturally, but not the basic black ballet variety. Their footwear managed to be both practical and interesting. I spotted vamps embellished with ruffles or studs, side cutouts that lent an intriguing silhouette, and cool treatments like snake prints and metallic patinas. Given a second chance to pack for this trip, I’d toss in my ruffled Jeffrey Campbell flats, a pair from Belle by Sigerson Morrison, and the cutout Elizabeth and James shoes pictured.

Tuesday, May 25th 2010

Name: Sarah Position at Shopbop: Warehouse Operations Manager Your Style Profile: New nursing mom! Back when I was pregnant, I did staff picks featuring some not horrible maternity options, which can be hard to come by. (Not anymore! Check out our new maternity clothes category.) Now that Wren is born, my choice of tops is limited to how easily baby can get to her lunch and whether I can still look cute.

(1) Would you believe that baby can access a snack through the armhole of this Bop Basics dress? I wore it on an airplane, and it was totally discreet. It’s also adorable and a great thick, comfortable knit. If you’re nursing, you’ll want to get black. Bop Basics - Tee Dress

(2) In the winter I wore a cardigan all the time because it doubles as a modesty blanket if you put it on backwards. Now that it’s summer, this Vince sweater is the perfect solution. I’ll wear it for date night (which is now a table for three)! Vince - Drape Sweater Vest